Le théorème de Marguerite

It's a truth not quite universally acknowledged that films about hard intellectual or creative work, well, suck. I'm not sure if higher mathematics is particularly prone (all of Good Will Hunting except the Robin Williams bits; the -entirety- of A Beautiful Mind; everything but the facts of that Ramanujan film are at least as far removed as, say, Star Wars is and from astrophysics).

This, though, does not.

The central character is not a transcendent but flawed genius but hardworking and self-denying; the moments of inspiration (which are a real thing) look real and come through sheer effort, not effortless revelation with accompanying sound effects; and the scholarly politicking and casual STEM sexism are, well, true to life.

But - and this is probably burying the lede, sorry - it is also (1) splendid performances by all of the main cast; (2) a very thoughtful reflection on the connection between abstract thought and the human condition; and (3) an actually enjoyable film.

A very good, atmospheric, beautifull and - contrary to appearences - quite a simple film. About maturing, obsession, genius. And in the background pathological reelationship at the university and complicated relationship betwen people.

Some viewers may be put off by the amount of mathematics in the film. Don't worry, you don't have to be a mathematician to watch the film, although it's worth having some understanding, to at least have some idea of what the characters are taking about.

For people who are completely unmathematical, there is a very instructive scene of how easily opinion polls can be manipulated depending on the question asked (it's worth remembering when reading sensational polls in the press).

PS Beautifull soundtrack.

Despite familiar themes, the movie is well-made and avoids being overly dramatic. It is well worth watching and takes more after the movie 21 than 'Good Will Hunting' or 'A Beautiful Mind'. A very solid performance by Ella Rumpf (known from the movie "Raw") who portrays Marguerite. Starts a bit slow but if you bite the bullet and continue watching, you will be rewarded. Some plot twists are predictable (just like in the movie "21"), but others you will not see coming. The movie explores a common problem, talented young people who get discouraged when they realize success isn't guaranteed. Marguerite is a brilliant math student who crumbles when her big theorem turns out to be wrong. While the movie explores familiar territory (genius obsessed with proving themselves), it might not resonate with everyone unless you're really into number theory (a specific branch of mathematics). The film uses camera tricks to show how overwhelmed Marguerite feels and how she struggles to decide between her passion for math and the harsh realities of the world. I also loved the movie and the performances of Julien Frison (Lucas) and Sonia Bonny (Noa). But Ella Rumpf (Marguerite Hoffmann) takes the crown. Perfect casting for this role. Rated the movie 9/10 and well deserved. No need to say that this is a must see (despite the slow start).

No pun intended - math was something I loved in school too. But when we got to higher math (that's not a pun, right?) I felt like I lost the thread. I really like how the movie presents itself though. It has so many elements (or variables to stay and stick with the theme of the movie) ... and they all work well together! Be it actors, the story, developments, relationships and so much more.

The good thing is that while the math presented is quite complicated (I assume they double checked and everything is legit in the movie, I can't say for certain though), it is more a byproduct ... so don't worry too much about it. I didn't get it either - but you don't have to. Because this is more about the woman and human finally being able to get a breakthrough .. .or more than one that is. That's why I thought I make this my review 11088 ... I mean I didn't plan the release of the movie in the cinemas ... but since it played right now and I was almost at the number, I was able to pin it down to that.

I did not paint that on a chalkboard (wall) ... while she is thickheaded (our main character), we will love her ... we will feel for and with her ... she is quite gullible, but also weird and stubborn ... and so many other things! Kudos to the actress who probably is nothing like that in real life. A beautiful ... also mind (actually I could have used that as a summary headline - always with my no pun intended trademark of course) ...

I hate mathematics, I have always hated them, but I love this movie which doesn't need to be a good expert in maths to appreciate it. It is a true authentic character study about a young woman who is an expert in maths and whose world suddenly collapses when she realizes that all her theories don't match anymore. This is not a comedy, a stupid comedy which French film industry has the secret, but a true riveting story, that the French has also the secret of...Never boring and you always wonder what the following scene will be. Nothing predictable. What could we ask for? Not a masterpiece but what for after all?